Shox: A First Look

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Electronic Arts invades the Rally market! Screens included.

By Jeremy Dunham

Arcade Rally racing has overtaken the offices of Electronic Arts in Redwood City today, as the gigantic company announced its forthcoming genre entry, Shox. Put together by the good folks at EA Big, the shocking announcement (ahem) reveals the company's commitment to not only forming a solid racer, but a beautiful one as well.

Boasting 24 licensed cars, the arcade-influenced racer will display up to 6 cars onscreen at once while zooming through circuits filled with snow, desert, and jungle. Weather-based road conditions such as slippery ice, foliage, and overly dusty trails are set to play a big part in driving physics and handling, as well as add one of the prettiest aesthetic touches we've seen in awhile.

To separate Shox from the rest of the Rally pack, the game will utilize what's called "Shox Zones". By which time literally stops as each automobile catches air and soars through silence, ultimately resulting in gained ground or a multi-car pileup. Graded separately for impressive Shox Zone performance, players can then earn bronze, silver, and gold medals as rewards for their efforts. And let us not forget the 'Gambling Mode' that allows the player to throw up his or her car's pink slip in a winner-takes-all sort of race.

Unlock extra cars through consistent victories or by snatching one through Gambling Mode.

Three specifically-themed environments: Arctic Tundra, Arid Desert, and Asian Jungle. Each of divided into seven tracks apiece and built from multiple overlapping sections.

Win or lose points based on speed, cornering, air, collisions, and overall wins. The use the points to unlock game extras, like cars, stages, and more.

Four-Person multiplayer mode via split screen.

Headed for store shelves in Europe this September, and sometime later this fall here in North America, the come outta nowhere racing entry Shox, is looking tops. We'll be back with more soon, but in the meantime, view our screens and see for yourself.